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New Zealand Sites and Sources

Geneticists and Genetic Counsellors

If you've been diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa or another eye condition with genetic origins, you may want to speak to a geneticist or genetic counsellor. They are based at Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch Hospitals.

Auckland: (09) 307 4949 or call free 0800 476 123

Wellington: (04) 385 5310 or call free 0508 364 436

Christchurch: (03) 379 1898 or call free 0508 364 436

Macular Degeneration New Zealand

MDNZ is a charitable trust which aims to increase public awareness of macular degeneration and reduce its incidence and impact. Their website has illustrated information on macular degeneration,treatments,risk factors,nutrition and supplements, and an on-line test for warning signs.

New Zealand Association of Optometrists

The New Zealand Association of Optometrists website has information on eye health and a range of eye conditions. The Resources page on their website has information on topics such as lighting for people with low vision, and effective colour contrast. NZAO also runs the annual Save Our Sight month-long public awareness campaign for eye health and safety.

Low Vision Aids and Equipment

Low vision aids and equipment range from the traditional, such as magnifying lenses and large print books, through household equipment such as adapted kitchen utensils and easy-to-see big button telephones, to assistive technology like handheld electronic magnifiers and portable or desktop magnifiers (closed circuit television, or CCTV) for text, photos, and other items.

Some CCTVs are stand alone, others can be connected to your computer. They are expensive, so before investing in one it's worth getting an assessment of your specific vision and work or hobby needs, or at least attending a demonstration of product capabilities.

The Blind Foundation has an on-line Shop. (Prices are subsidised for Blind Foundation members.) Anybody is welcome to attend their equipment display days that are held around New Zealand. Information about display days is on their website.

The Mobile Eye app is a system that helps blind people identify objects and their surroundings using their mobile phones. It was developed by an AUT led-team and trialled with volunteers from the Blind Foundation.

Low Vision Clinics

Low Vision Clinics help people make the most of their remaining vision by providing living skills assessments and advice. There are several around New Zealand. Your optometrist or ophthalmologist can tell you if there is one in your locality, whether a referral is necessary, and if you would be eligible for referral.

Ophthalmologist: Go to the Services & Support/Find a Health Service section at Health Navigator NZ. Enter "ophthalmology" as the health service you are looking for. Then browse by region to find an ophthalmologist near you.

Alternatively, your GP or practice nurse will know of eye professionals based in your area or who hold regular clinics there.

VICTA

Visual Impairment Charitable Trust Aotearoa was established in 2013 to address the unmet needs of the growing number of NZers whose degree of vision loss is severe enough to make everyday activities difficult, but who are not eligible for Blind Foundation membership.

And finally:

The following pamphlets are available from Retina NZ:

Where do you turn ... when you're losing your sight? (About Retina NZ)

Take the Amsler Test: a self-testing card for early detection of macular degeneration

These are free to members. A charge is made to non-members to cover printing and postage.

And don't forget that our quarterly Newsletter has lots of information!

Retinal photographs on this website are courtesy of the New Zealand Association of Optometrists. Other photographs in our page headers are courtesy of the National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health.